Corgi 1:43 MGC GT and Johnny Lightning MGB

Now for a tribute to a British brand from a British toymaker, in this case the Corgi brand that made a 1:43 scale version of the MGC GT coupe, while over at Johnny Lightning is the simple MGB convertible that is one of my favorites in the British Invasion line.

Corgi MGC GT

Corgi has impressed me so far with nicely-done 1:43 scale vehicles with lots of nice details and some functionality to boot.  This MGC GT coupe is not too far behind.  MG introduced the new MGB line in 1962 as a sleeker replacement for the MGA that has more modern styling, uni-body design with crumple zones up front, and reused parts from the MGA to cut down on tooling costs.  The MGB was roomier and far more successful than other British counterparts and continued that stretch by introducing the coupe model in 1965 that has more of a hatchback design to allow seating for four inside.  The radical design would be inspired by other automakers including Volvo and BMW.  The powertrain started with a 1.8L I-4 that produced 95 horsepower through a 4-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels.  In the MGC the engine was upgraded to a 2.9L I-6 that produced 145 horsepower through a 4-speed manual transmission.  Even a V8 model was offered.  When the car was discontinued in the 1980's the MGB is still remembered in the MG line and the spirit lives on later sportier models including the mid-engined MGF.

This Corgi MG goes for a sporty look in yellow with a gloss black hood and proper wire spoke wheels with skinny rubber tires.  The front has jewled headlights inside the front fenders, waterfall grille, and signal lights just above the chrome bumper.  The hood has a domed look with a bulge to accomidate the carberator for the larger motor, while on the sides is the hatchback look with side trim and a fastback roofline at the rear.  In the rear the door is painted black wit MGC GT badging, taillights on the rear fenders, and a chrome bumper.  As with other Corgi models the wheels are smooth, the suspension works, and the metal base is the same color as the body (TJ probably refers to the kid who one owned this vehicle).  The doors open to an interior that has seating for four (or more like two plus a half) with tilting front seatbacks, gold 3-spoke steering wheel, shifter on the center tunnel, and dashboard with typical control layout.  The nice trick here is in the back where the rear hatch opens up to access the cargo area, and providing that it's still there a suitcase that fits in the cargo area comes out.  Very neat and a beautifully done casting by Corgi.

Johnny Lightning MGB roadster

Johnny Lightning released a rather off-set brand in the 2000's with the British Invasion series, a line of British roadsters from the 1950's and 1960's.  This MGB is probably the most sleekest and nicely done model of the group, and the entire line is now in high demand for colletors.  The red color really stands out on this casting and shows off the details perfectly.  Up front you can find detailed round headlights, lower signal lights, waterfall grille with red MG badge, and bumper that is part of the metal base.  The sides go for a clean look with silver trim along the side and chrome steel wheels with rubber tires.  At the rear the trunk dips down to the gas cap and rear bumper, while the taillights rest on the rear fenders.  The convertible top is nicely stacked under a tonneau cover behind the front seats, while the windshield has chrome trim and detailed sunvisors.

The metal base underneath shows off the engine, transmission, drivetrain, front A-arm suspension, rear leaf springs and live axle, and the exhaust system.  Open the hood to reveal the I-4 that is crisply done and all of it is casted in the metal body!  The valve cover and air cleaner is painted silver, the intake detailed on the right, the spark plug wires on the left, and the radiator grille up front.  Beautifully done!  Inside there's seating for two with bucket seats and the shifter on the center tunnel, detailed door panels with handles, 3-spoke steering wheel, and dashboard with visible controls.  I believe that this has to be one of the best Johnny Lighting castings of the early 2000's era when they were transitioning from crude Topper-based slot car models to realistic models, yet lack the finer tooling and painting to make the engine bay more detailed and the body more clean and proper.  This MGB and the rest of the British Invasion line shows how much Johnny Lightning can do it and the results paid off years later.